As a rental property owner, the list of maintenance tasks your rental needs can seem endless. Although it’s usually not too bad to forget to perform a little something here and there, there are other maintenance tasks that should be done annually. Ignoring these maintenance tasks can lead to decreased tenant satisfaction and hefty repair fees down the road. Ensuring you are completing these ten maintenance tasks will save you many headaches and hassles!
1. Regularly change furnace filters
It is critical to guarantee that your furnace filters are changed regularly and appropriately. Blocked filters can cause poor indoor air quality and shorten the lifespan of your rental property’s furnace.
2. Clear the dryer vent
Clothes dryer vents are one maintenance task that you shouldn’t skip since they are among the top causes of residential fires in the United States. A clogged dryer vent can not only be a fire hazard, though. In addition to attracting unwanted pests, it can also lead to mold problems.
3. Relight furnace pilot light
If you turn off your pilot light during warm months, relight it and test the system for proper working well before cold weather arrives. Waiting in the freezing weather for you to get the furnace up and running is not something your tenants will look forward to.
4. Drain sediment from water heater
The bottom of any water heater will eventually become covered with sediment. Drain it once a year to extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and ensure it is working correctly.
5. Inspect for water leaks
It sounds simple, and it is. At least once a year, thoroughly check your property’s plumbing, fixtures, sprinklers, and so on. If you discover any signs of leaks or pooling water, you should have deal with them immediately.
6. Change batteries for smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
It’s necessary to replace the batteries in your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year. You may spare yourself and your renter a lot of trouble by taking preventative measures rather than waiting for the unit to break down and start beeping!
7. Lubricate garage door springs
If your rental property has a garage, it’s imperative to lubricate the springs and wheels of your garage door once a year. An adequately lubricated garage door will work perfectly for numerous years, whereas an unmaintained one will likely break down far sooner than it ought to.
8. Give your appliances some TLC
You can also extend the life of your rental property’s appliances by doing the required maintenance each year. For instance, vacuuming your refrigerator coils and cleaning the seals around the refrigerator doors can help this essential appliance work better and last longer.
9. Clean window weep holes
Many vinyl windows have weep holes on the exterior that help drain away water and condensation. The problem is that dirt and insects can easily block these openings. Simply flushing your weep holes out annually can help prevent condensation and other moisture complications.
10. Check for pests
Lastly, if you aren’t already doing so, you should thoroughly check your property for signs of pest infestation every year. Termites can start as a small problem. Termites can begin as a minor issue. But things will get ugly for both you and the tenant very fast if you do nothing.
Why not hire experts to take care of all the necessary yet time-consuming maintenance tasks for you? Real Property Management Reliant offers comprehensive property management and maintenance services from local experts in Jefferson City and its vicinity. Essential maintenance tasks are completed annually, so you can rest easy. To find out more, contact us online or call 573-615-0809.
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